Points2Ponder🎙: Kandukur, have you heard of this land?

Philipose Vaidyar

𝐖𝐞𝐥𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐊𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐮𝐤𝐮𝐫 —a drought-affected region about 300 km from Chennai—is a block in the Prakasam District of Andhra Pradesh. Known today for its harsh climate and fragile livelihoods, Kandukur also carries a rich history that remains largely unknown. The landscape holds a magnificent 50-foot monolithic pillar from the Chola period and ancient Tamil stone inscriptions whose origins still remain a mystery. These 600-year-old monuments lie exposed among fields and village paths, silent witnesses to a past that continues to sleep in the open countryside.

During our years of work in this region, our team has walked alongside families in 18 panchayats of the Kandukur block. For more than five years—and in small but meaningful ways even today—we have mentored households through practical assistance, emotional support, and opportunities that help them move forward with hope. One of our team members continues this work by serving as a mentor to several families. Understanding their world matters because awareness brings dignity, attention, and support to communities that live on the edge.

Below are short videos that introduce different aspects of life in Kandukur—from its forgotten heritage to the daily struggles of people who depend on the land for survival. These videos are now part of this blog so readers can explore the stories visually and journey deeper into the lives of the people we served.

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Kandukur: Shedding Light on Historic Remains

A brief visual walk through the ancient pillar and stone inscriptions that stand quietly in the fields of Kandukur—remarkable traces of a forgotten past.
Video link: https://youtu.be/6hNVGeknqHo

The Poor Who Live on Leaves in Kandukur

In this drought-prone region, tobacco is more than a crop; it is the backbone of survival. Most of the labor in the tobacco fields is done by women who do not smoke, yet their kitchens must smoke for their families to live. This short documentary offers a closer look at the households whose livelihoods depend on tobacco leaves.
Video link: https://youtu.be/GliwmI4u9P0

The Firewood Collectors

A glimpse into the lives of families who collect firewood as their primary means of survival. Their days revolve around long walks, heavy loads, and limited options.
Video link: https://youtu.be/jotsLVekUXs

Tricycle Porters of Kandukur

This version highlights the tricycles and pushcarts that help families earn a living. It also explores how a simple new tricycle or cart could improve their daily work and income.
Video link: https://youtu.be/VnikQ4WYJsI